Velma Worrell

1910 - 2003

Velma Lorraine Ritchey Worrell, age 93, died peacefully at her home, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003. Her family commemorates this occasion in her life and treasures a lifetime of memories together.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday in Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls.

Memorials: The Alzheimer's Association, Greater Dallas Chapter 7610 N. Stemmons, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75247.

Velma was born July 31, 1910, to John R. and Beulah M. Ritchey of Ryan, Okla. She attended Draughn's Business School in Wichita Falls, and was later employed by Allison Pharmacy as a bookkeeper. In 1939, she married Ira Gentry, who passed away in 1945. Velma later married a high school classmate, Edward L. Worrell Jr. It was in Wichita Falls where she began to build her life of family and community service. Throughout Velma's fruitful life she expressed her love to family and friends through countless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. As a charter member of First Christian Church of Wichita Falls, she was committed to Christ and participated in the community of her church. Velma was loved by her friends and family for her positive attitude, humor, inspiration and joy of life. As a young mother of four, she participated in several organizations, such as the Wichita Falls Forum, Wichita Falls Garden Club and the Literary Guild. She shared her creative talents of interior design, sewing and floral arranging throughout a lifetime of community involvement.

At 65 years of age, Velma moved to Dallas to be of assistance to her children, all of whom lived in the Metroplex. In Dallas she was a member of Northway Christian Church. She was employed by Sound Warehouse of Dallas as an accountant and remained with the company until 1985 when she retired at the age of 75. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, John R. and Beulah M. Ritchey of Ryan, Okla.; first husband, Ira Gentry; husband, Edward L. Worrell Jr. of Wichita Falls; stepson, Edward Lawrence "Larry" Worrell of Harrison, Mich.; and brothers, Doyle Ritchey, Elton L. "Jiggs" Ritchey and Lloyd Ritchey.

The family is extremely grateful to the tireless devotion of Johnnie Sue Cummings and Linda Raney, who attended to her medical needs during her lengthy illness from Alzheimer's disease. Velma's life was a witness of God's steadfast grace and faithfulness.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed."

Survivors: Daughter, Dr. Ann Carns and her husband, Dr. Michael Carns, of Martindale; son, Terry Worrell and his wife, Sharon, of Dallas; daughter, Edwina "Eddie" Blackburn and husband, Don, of Southlake; sister, Pat R. Newell of Austin; brother, Clifton Ritchey of Abilene. Velma was endearingly called "MeMe" by her grandchildren: Robert Crowell Jr. and wife, Jean, of Lynn Haven, Fla., David Crowell and wife, Leigh Anne, of Austin, Christy W. Fagin and husband, Kyle, of Dallas, Michael Worrell and wife, Sherri, of Heath, Chellee Hill and husband, Randy, of Fort Worth, Mollie Malone of Fort Worth, Chad Blackburn of Fort Worth; and 12 great-grandchildren.